This is a condition where an inflammatory condition has attacked the glomerulus of the kidney, which causes the kidney to leak protein and/or blood. This is caused by either a primary disorder or a secondary disorder. Examples of primary disorders are minimal change disease, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous glomerulopathy, and IgA nephropathy. Examples of secondary causes are due to lupus, ANCA vasculitis, hepatitis C, and HIV. Serologies (blood tests) and a kidney biopsy are essential to diagnosing this disorder. I treat this disorder aggressively with medications that are the standard of care, which include, but are not limited to, rituximab, Acthar Gel, cyclosporine, mycophenolate. I participate in clinical trials and offer that to my patients as well. I will explore every option to prevent dialysis.
